Historical Novels Review, August 2021:

In 1788, with England’s gaols overflowing, the Lady Penrhyn arrives in Australia delivering the first of many women convicts, with the New South Wales Marine Corp as guards. The Penrhyn was one of several ships in the first fleet to sail from Portsmouth and drop anchor in Sydney Cove to establish Port Jackson, the first penal colony. David Field has written a meticulously researched novel, the first in his Australian Historical Saga series, peopled with real and fictional characters.

The social rules and class divisions from England no longer apply in this new world. Survival and human connection take precedence. So, when Daniel Bradbury, Second Lieutenant of the Corp, meets Martha, a convict, on board the ship, their love is free to flourish. As the native people hide and watch, fearful and curious, the regiment officers and the Governor want to take an offensive approach and shoot if they make an appearance. Daniel is the only one to show compassion and understanding toward the native Australians and convinces his superiors that aggression would only lead to bloodshed on both sides, increasing hatred and animosity. The loss of any man would decrease the colony’s chances of survival in this harsh land. Daniel befriends the chief, who teaches him how to fish, farm, and choose edible foods. Tension between the two cultures remains, and the men are quick to raise their muskets, but Daniel is persistent in his protection of the native people. He is an admirable character in his strength, and his empathy and understanding for others.

This novel covers 26 years with Daniel and Martha through their romance, marriage, and the birth of three children. What really stands out is the depth and richness of history that David Field brings to the story. I am looking forward to his second in the series, An Eye for an Eye.

5 stars
A FAR DISTANT LAND by David Field

The year is 1788, it was not a time to be accused of a crime in England. They had discovered the island of New South Wales, which became Australia, and any little crime that prisoners were accused of, they could be transported for a number of years if they survived the treacherous journey aboard the stinking prison hulks. Punishments were from a few years and as far as to life as a prisoner.

It might be better to be a prisoner on an island than to be stuck inside of a prison with walls and abusive guards, but for those first arriving prisoners to Australia, life was definitely no picnic.

With many thanks, I received a complimentary copy of #afardistantland from #netgalley #davidfield @davidfield I was under no obligation to post a review.

A journey to a new world, but can you ever leave your old life behind...?

Australia, 1788

After eight long months at sea, The Lady Penryn has docked in Australia – transporting over 100 female convicts from England. Amongst them is a young woman calling herself Mary Murphy, serving seven years for offences of dishonesty.

Second Lieutenant Daniel Bradbury of New South Wales Marine Corps, looking to start a new life in Australia, is in charge of the female prisoners. And when Mary is bullied on board, he steps in and rescues her.

As the passengers come ashore and begin creating the new settlement of Port Jackson, Mary and Daniel grow closer, but it soon becomes clear that Mary is not who she first pretended to be.

The unfamiliar and unforgiving climate, the ever-present threat of native attack, and the residual snobbery of the old English society that travelled with them across the Equator, combine to throw obstacles in the path of this new settlement. And growing tensions threaten to pull Daniel and Mary apart.

But in the end, nothing can stand in the way of what destiny has prescribed for them… This book has stayed in my mind for quite some time after reading it, very much the mark of an outstanding book.

When I started this I got the feeling that it was going to turn into a will they won't they romance between Daniel of the New South Wales Marines escorting women prisoners to Australia, and Mary one of the prisoners. It was in a way but, fortunately, there was a lot more to gather and retain interest. Establishing a more substantial colony, dealings with local people, politics from afar, making their way in a new, strange and often hostile world. The story has a lot of disparate characters but they are well-written; the tensions of constrained life are good too. I especially like the interwoven bits of real history. Overall, the reader is immersed in the feeing of how it could have been settling in a new world.. Thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.